To provide the Mid Argyll Pipe Band with new uniforms so that they can continue to represent the region's unique cultural and musical heritage.
Estimated Price
20000
The Mid Argyll Pipe Band, based in the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, is one of Scotland's oldest civilian pipe bands, with a history dating back to 1927 and previously known as the Mid Argyll Pipers Society. The Mid Argyll Pipe Band aims to advance the education of the public in the art of pipe band through the presentation of public performances and other related activities, and for the specific purposes:
• Create and maintain a pipe band in Mid Argyll.
• Promote and encourage the development and interests of pipe band culture in Mid Argyll.
• To educate members, particularly young people, in the art of pipe band music.
• To offer developmental and competitive opportunities in pipe band music.
• To provide its services in a way that is fair to everyone.
• To ensure that all present and future members receive fair and equal treatment.
Participating in local, regional, national, and international competitions is essential to this. Practising for competition standards, travelling to competitions, and meeting musicians from around the world enables young band members to improve and develop as traditional musicians, and to learn the benefits and importance of teamwork, respect, community values, and belonging.
The area covered by Mid Argyll Pipe Band is generally rated as 3 out of 10 for income in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. However, it is in the lowest decile, 1 out of 10, for geographic access to services. Uniforms for existing band members and especially new members are an expensive investment—£ 1000-£1500 per uniform. Young people grow. They grow constantly! Replacing uniforms and providing new uniforms for novice musicians is a significant cost that our families cannot afford.
This is why the Mid Argyll Pipe Band have made it their priority to provide free tuition, membership, uniforms, instruments and transport to the musicians in the corps. This funding will cover a key part of this promise and support the continued development of young members by enabling them to wear the band's uniform, thereby allowing them to attend major competitions alongside the rest of the band.
In addition to the normal annual costs of replacing uniforms, the Tartan used in the band's uniforms is no longer being manufactured. As uniforms wear out or as new members join the band, they will have to be made from a different cloth. This is a problem for the band as maintaining a "uniform" look is essential. This is for aesthetic reasons, but it is also a key requirement for participating in competitions.
The Mid Argyll Pipe Band is therefore seeking funds to replace all the uniforms in one go, as this will be significantly cheaper than buying uniforms in ones and twos.
